Prayer flags flutter in the breeze at the start of the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings precariously to the side of a cliff.

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Here are just a few of the 108 stupas arranged around this viewpoint of the Dochula Stupa, at over 3000 metres above sea level. On a clear day, marvel at the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance.

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Archery is the national sport of the Kingdom of Bhutan, often played at religious and cultural festivals, and is a hugely popular pursuit for locals and tourists alike. Most afternoons you can see groups of men competing with each other, aiming at impossibly small targets about 120 metres away. Rivals taunt and tease each other mercilessly to make them lose their concentration; when they hit the target they sing and dance. A heart-warming and often hilarious spectacle!

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Lying in prime positions throughout the Himalayan Kingdom, the hot-anticipated Six Senses' Lodges were worth the wait.

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Six Senses Thimphu offers a vast outdoor terrace, complete with spacious ponds that reflect the snow-capped alpine peaks and white clouds in their mirror-still glossy surface.

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Our Bhutanese guides are great company and full of local knowledge. Here, your guides will escort you on the hike to the mystical Tiger’s Nest monastery.

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The detail and intricacy of Bhutan's traditional architecture is mind-blowing. Take time to explore the temples and courtyards of this ochre-hued palace.

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Watch a religious dance take place, called a cham, in the courtyard of a Buddhist monastery during the annual Paro Teschu festival. Monks perform festival dances and act out dramas as a form of meditation to personify their deity. Masked and dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes, dancers demonstrate the triumph of good over evil and the power of compassion.

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Experience some of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with a cham, a traditional masked dance, at Amankora Paro.

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The King’s Birthday is a national holiday in Bhutan and it is customary to dress in traditional clothing. The Bhutanese partake in parades and festivities including eating emadatse and drinking home-distilled spirits.

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All Bhutanese are required to wear national dress everyday but at festivals, locals can be more creative with carved masks and unusual costumes that depict scenes from their rich cultural history.

Discover Luxury Bhutan Holidays

Mountains are blanketed with evergreen forests and dotted with Buddhist temples, valleys are sliced by glacial rivers and the piney air is delicious and clean. Bhutan’s luxury hotels and lodges are divine, but it is the Bhutanese people that make trips to Bhutan so special – they are extremely quick to laugh, and they’ve even been ranked number one in the world for Gross National Happiness!

Bhutan is perhaps the most fascinating of the Himalayan kingdoms as travel entry was forbidden to visitors until 1974, and even after that numbers were still minimal. Landlocked by the mighty Himalayan peaks, Bhutan has been doubly protected from external influences, and as a result, the traditional way of life has survived largely intact. Deep rooted Bhutanese culture means that archery is still the national sport, and the gracious, gentle people continue to wear traditional dress: elegant wraparound skirts or "kira" for the women and checked, floor-length belted robes or "Gho" for the men. Daily life is awash with fascinating local culture; villagers assemble for vibrant local festivals in the dzong or monasteries, and mask-dancing in the temples, we will happily organise a cultural tour of Bhutan around one of these festivals. Bhutan's scenery is magnificent; monasteries hang over precipitous drops, often wreathed in mist, and there are pristine pine forests, fertile valleys, and high rugged mountain passes – all of which make a varied and exhilarating destination for Bhutan trekking or an active holiday. Bhutan luxury holidays are always an enriching and unique experience. The "Land of the Thunder Dragon" is one of the last remaining strongholds of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage is visible in the white-walled dzongs with their communities of studying monks, the decor of peoples' homes and the ornately painted wall motifs.

The first democratic elections were in 2008, and Bhutan travel has been growing steadily and carefully over the past three decades. Bhutan hotels come in a range of luxury and comfort, there are now several stunning luxury hotels – with more to come – as well as simpler guesthouses and inns, making it the perfect destination for a luxury tailor made holiday to Bhutan. The best time to visit Bhutan is from October to December, as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are cooler months, and until April the climate remains dry and pleasant. In late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.

Tours to Bhutan have something to offer all types of travellers. Whatever the type of vacation, Bhutan is perfect for a luxury tailor made tour, a trekking holiday or a spiritual break. A holiday to Bhutan will guarantee stunning landscapes, gracious hospitality and a glimpse into a lifestyle and culture long forgotten by the modern world.

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!- Leslie Siben, India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.- Matthew Nicklin, North India

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!- Jaime Benitez, South India

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!- Mr David Wallace, North India

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